I need a lightweight vacuum cleaner that doesn't cost a fortune. Any advice?

[CTyankee]

I know the Oreck is a lightweight one and very efficient, but it is costly.

For medical reasons, neither hubby nor I can now lift over 8 lbs. But we need to vacuum the carpeting. I have a perfectly good vacuum from Sears but it weighs a ton. I bought it before the onset of the medical issues. So it is useless, except when I can affort to have a cleaner come in.

Has anyone ever bought a used Oreck? Weekly shoppers used to abound in my area but it's been a while since I've even seen one, so I have no idea if I could even find a used Oreck...any ideas from folks like us who suddenly have this "problem"?

[Richardo]

1. I bought the demo model at a home show in 1995 or so for $100 - still going strong

I'd suggest craigslist - we've had great luck buying stuff through that site.

[spinbaby]

2. My sister in-law just bought a Bissell

It's lightweight and she's very happy with it. $39 from Walmart (yeah, I know). Personally, I have an ancient half-ton canister vac from Sears that's pretty unhandy but cleans well.

[Critters2]

3. This is a lower price than buying it directly from Oreck.

http://www.cleanfreak.com/Qstore/c000086.htm

May still be more than you'd like to pay, but it's way cheaper than usual.

[HopeHoops]

4. I thought Oreck sponsored Rush - that would make it a bad choice.

K-Mart has a small Kenmore canister for somewhere like $90. The biggest downside to it I could see is that it is sort of a dog puke yellow. You could spray paint it.

[Critters2]

5. Oreck is American made. Did a lot of charitable giving after Katrina.

Where's that Kenmore made?

[HopeHoops]

6. Mine's US made, but it is really old - can't say with the new one - I'll look.

I've also got a US made Electrolux canister (1986?) and it is still cranking as well.

Do NOT buy a Dirt Devil regardless of where they are made. They have a lot of power but you'll need hearing protection to run it. I've got power tools in the garage that are quieter.

[Bravo Zulu]

7. Hoover S2220

Product Features
Lightweight, maneuverable, upright stick vacuum with 7-2/5 amp motor
Power nozzle with additional motor for effective carpet and rug cleaning
Washable, transparent, EZ Empty dirt cup; multi-stage filtration system
20-foot power cord with wrap hooks; large rear wheels; swivel floor nozzle
Measures approximately 45-1/2 by 9 inches; full 1-year warranty
http://www.amazon.com/Hoover-S2220-Bagless-Upright-Vacuum/dp/B00020BQGK?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen

[MissHoneychurch]

8. A Miele vacuum cleaner

http://www.miele.com/products/index.asp?cat=1&nav=30&snav=23&tnav=23&oT=26


I just got one for Christmas. They are quiet and very light.